The 31st edition of Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles opens Nov. 29, enchanting holiday shoppers as it brings “A Christmas Carol” to life. The iconic street theater production runs weekends through Christmas. Hours are noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, with a limited show (noon to 2:30 p.m.) Christmas Eve.
But take note: The year is 1842.
Queen Victoria has arrived in town with Charles Dickens, whom she has commissioned to write a Christmas story. During their monthlong stay, Dickens gains inspiration from a bevy of now-familiar characters, along with finishing school girls, pickpockets and other villagers. The story unfolds each week as Dickens and his entourage interact with cast members and passersby.
Also visiting is Dickens’ friend Washington Irving, who is working on his latest ghost story, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”
“Her Majesty Queen Victoria and I are so very excited about our return to Skaneateles,” says producing director Jim Greene, who plays Dickens. “We look forward to some roasted chestnuts and all the singing and celebration that is part of the holiday magic we find in the village. Our hearts are filled with glee as we look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones.”
Dickens Christmas is produced by Scarlett Rat Entertainment and presented by the Sherwood Inns & Appetites, the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Skaneateles-area business community.
Highlights of this year’s season include:
- World’s Smallest Christmas Parade. Nov. 29, starting at noon at the Skaneateles Village Hall on Fennell Street, proceeding east to Jordan and Genesee streets and arriving at the Hannum House porch in time for the 12:10 p.m. grand opening.
- Midday Revels — Christmas carol sing-along — 2 p.m. every day at the gazebo. Twelve groups form, representing the 12 days of Christmas. The groups vie for attention, and at the end, Queen Victoria awards a silver teasel to the most spirited performer. Winners have been known to wear their coveted silver teasels throughout the season.
- Trunk shows, in which Washington Irving and Charles Dickens perform lighthearted versions of their Christmas stories with help from the audience, 12:30 p.m. at the gazebo and 3 p.m. at the library each day.
- Appearances by the Bright Friday Brass, Nov. 29 and every Saturday.
- Musical performances by the Classic Guitar Ensemble from the Music School of CNY, vocalist Daniel Kringer and a variety of other groups; dance performances by the cast’s finishing school girls; and magic shows by the Prestidigitating Packwoods.
- Fezziwig’s Christmas Ball, 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 15 at the First Presbyterian Church, with festive English country dancing led by the Syracuse Country Dancers. Tickets are $30 per person and are available at https://skaneateles.com/calendar/annual-events/dickens-christmas. Attendance is limited to 70.
- A snowman-building contest in Clift Park Dec. 14 (weather permitting). Bring your own supplies and creativity! Queen Victoria will judge the entries at 2:45 p.m. First prize is a $50 gift card from The Sherwood Inn; second prize is two Dickens mugs with cocoa.
- “It’s a Wonderful Life — The Radio Play,” presented at 7 p.m. Dec. 21 at Auburn Public Theater. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under.
- Free refreshments, including roasted chestnuts donated by Tops Friendly Markets, and Byrne Dairy eggnog served by the Girl Scouts (Saturdays only).
For children, Mother Goose will read holiday stories at Loft 42, and Father Christmas will hand out treats from the porch of the Masonic Temple.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone back for another fun-filled holiday season — and the wondrous gift that is Dickens Christmas,” says Hilary Fenner, executive director of the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “While you’re in town, be sure to visit our unique shops and restaurants — the perfect complement to a holiday outing. And stop by the Chamber, at 22 Jordan St., for commemorative scarves ($20, with an embroidered logo), mugs ($10), scarf and mug combos ($25), mugs with hot cocoa packets ($12) and ornaments ($5).”
Behind the Scenes
Dickens Christmas has over 60 cast members, including young apprentice talent, who are joined by a variety of guest musicians and caroling groups. The show comes together in just six rehearsals.
“We pack a lot in and streamline the process of building a character,” says Jim Greene, of Dryden, who is producing director and plays Dickens. “Every actor learns music and uses improvisational techniques to build their character and become part of the ensemble.”
Greene is assisted by:
- Maria DeMitchell, of Marcellus, who is artistic director and plays Queen Victoria.
- John Michael Decker, of Queensbury, who is associate director and plays Scrooge.
- Victoria King, of Syracuse, who is music director and plays Mrs. McLaughlin.
- Patrick Glaub, of Hazel Park, Michigan, who is associate music director and plays Washington Irving.
- Brett Norsworthy, of Wolcott, who is production manager and plays undertaker Barry M. Deep.
- Tracey Greene, of Dryden, who is costumer.
- Kristin Palazzoli, of Fayetteville, who is associate costumer.
Dickens Christmas is made possible by the sponsorship support of over 130 local businesses. The festival is further supported through ticket sales from a Dickens Raffle.
First prize is a Mirbeau gift certificate valued at $750.
Other prizes are a Stay and Dine package from The Sherwood Inn and Gilda’s; a Sauna Package from Captivate Wellness; a Charcuterie Basket by Authentically Amber Charcuterie; a facial from The Skin Bar; a Skaneateles Dining Basket featuring items from New Hope Mills; a gift basket from Balsam Rose Soap Co.; a Health and Wellness basket; a Chocolate Pizza Co. basket; and a Lake Town Love Winter Basket.
Raffle tickets — $5 each, three for $10, 10 for $25 — are on sale at the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce and other village locations. Winners will be announced at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 22 at the gazebo.
Paid parking is available in the municipal lot between Jordan and State streets. Free parking is available in the Austin Park Pavilion lot at the corner of Jordan and Austin streets, and in the lower gravel lot of Skaneateles High School across from Leitch Avenue.
Opening day and all four weekends, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., a free shuttle will run between these lots and the village, stopping in the municipal lot. The shuttle is made possible by support from First Student buses, Doug’s Fish Fry, Tour Cayuga and the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
For more information on Dickens Christmas, go to skaneateles.com, call 315-685-0552 or follow the event on Facebook (Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce or Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles).
